Emma Raducanu to Make Playing Return After Two-Month Absence

British No.1 Emma Raducanu is set to return to WTA Tour action next week at the Internationaux de Strasbourg, ending a more than two-month absence caused by post-viral illness.

The 23-year-old, currently ranked world No. 30, has been granted a wildcard into the WTA 500 clay-court event.

Internationaux de Strasbourg runs from May 17-23, providing vital match practice ahead of the French Open at Roland Garros.

Raducanu’s last competitive match came on March 8 at Indian Wells, where she suffered a straight-sets third-round defeat to Amanda Anisimova (6-1, 6-1).

She subsequently withdrew from several tournaments, including Miami, Linz, Madrid, and most recently the Italian Open, citing lingering symptoms from a virus contracted in early February.

In Rome, she had completed pre-tournament media duties and expressed optimism about her recovery before pulling out shortly afterward.

This will mark Raducanu’s first clay-court appearance of the 2026 season.

She received a wildcard into Strasbourg last year as well, reaching the second round with a win over Daria Kasatkina before falling to Danielle Collins.

Tournament organizers welcomed her return on social media with the message: “Welcome back, Emma!”

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The 2021 US Open champion has faced a challenging period marked by injury and illness issues since her breakthrough Grand Slam victory.

Her return comes at a crucial time as she aims to build form and confidence on the red dirt.

Raducanu has worked with various coaches in recent months, including a reunion with Andrew Richardson, who guided her to the 2021 title.

A strong showing in Strasbourg could boost her momentum heading into Roland Garros, where she will look to make a deeper run than in previous years.

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